I just finished looking through the Circuit Overseer manual, so here are some highlights. First up, regarding Circuit Assemblies:
if a brother is so extremely overweight that others would be distracted if he had a part on the program, good judgment would need to be used in deciding whether to give him an assignment
. . .
if there are no baptismal candidates present when he asks for these to stand, there is no need to ask the two questions or to say the prayer
A C.O. shouldn't color outside the lines:
He should not organize special meetings or institute innovative programs unless given special direction by the branch office.
On occasion, circuit overseers have related experiences that were inaccurate or fictitious. Therefore, before using an experience, a circuit overseer should make sure that it is authentic. If there is any doubt about an experience, it should not be used.
Don't leave a paper trail:
Communication related to child abuse matters should be handled over the telephone.
It's always ironic to hear the "discreet slave" refer to itself in the third person while praising itself:
The Governing Body has lovingly made the provision for those in special full-time service to receive additional days of personal time away every September 1, based on their years of full-time service or their age.
Another irony is that the Governing Body, both as a group and as individuals, is guilty of the following, but advises others against it:
It is important that circuit overseers avoid being extravagant or giving the appearance of wanting the best of everything in the way of food, clothing, apartment furnishings, the latest electronic devices, vacations, and so forth. In this way they will avoid “any cause for stumbling”
Not sure why race is a judicial factor. Maybe to avoid frivolous calls if racism?:
Before appointing an appeal committee, the circuit overseer should get the name of the accused, his race, the offense(s) he is charged with, and some facts about the case.
The legalistic coldness of the following is almost funny:
Circuit overseers and their wives will receive a shepherding visit at least once every two years from a branch representative.
. . .
The branch representative’s responsibilities cease at the end of his shepherding visit.
Here was something I wasn't aware of. The organization of elite, crack teams of specialist Elders:
Each year, the circuit overseer should meet with responsible brothers in his circuit to prepare for the Service Department a list of elders who are qualified to handle complex matters.
. . .
When preparing the revised list of brothers who are qualified to handle complex matters, the most qualified brother in the circuit should be listed first, the next most qualified brother in the circuit should be listed second, and so forth.
If you know someone who would make a good substitute C.O., keep it secret:
Before recommending a brother, the circuit overseer may discreetly ask experienced elders for their observations on the brother but should not reveal to them that the brother is being considered for the substitute circuit work. Brothers recommended to serve as substitute circuit overseers must not have viewed pornography within the last two years.
Substitute C.O.s also shouldn't be able to get information on those higher up the prominence ladder than themselves:
The circuit overseer should make sure that substitute circuit overseers do not have access to the portion of the circuit file containing information on brothers in the circuit with potential for greater privileges.
Regarding C.O.'s wives:
She should understand her role, not speaking for her husband or dominating conversations.
It's also interesting that unlike average "sisters" they are actively discouraged from working with men in the ministry:
It is preferred that the wife of a circuit overseer work in service with sisters and younger publishers. While it would not necessarily be improper for her to accompany a brother in field service, this should seldom be necessary
In Kingdom Halls without video systems, when the C.O. has to provide a projector, his wife should not be operating it:
select an alert, dependable brother.